The flight back from the northern outpost to Canterlot had been problematic and stressful. There were still icy winds leftover from the recent blizzard, but the pegasus guards insisted on their orders to get Sunset Shimmer and Crystal Note back as quickly as possible.
Both mares had clung on their seats when the carriage was thrown around by the heavy bursts of wind. Lucky for them, the pegasi knew what they were doing and they soon left the worst of the storm behind them.
Sunset Shimmer noticed with some unease that Crystal Note didn’t look too well even then. There was a green hue on her face and Sunset quickly asked the guards to land. As soon as the carriage touched ground, the crystal pony rushed out. She only made some distance before she lost the fight against her guts.
Sunset Shimmer and the guards looked away to give the mare at least some privacy
“First time flyer, eh? Such a shame.”
“I don’t blame her. I remember my first time in a carriage.”
“At least we’re out of the storm now. Should be smooth sailing from now on.”
A few minutes passed before Crystal Note returned, head hung low in shame. Sunset Shimmer tried her best with a reassuring smile and thanked the guards for the break. The pegasus ponies acted like nothing happened at all. Just as Crystal Note was about to climb back in, one of them handed his helmet to her for when she might feel sick again
“Just in case.”
Crystal Note blushed deep red and mumbled something under her breath. When they reached Canterlot, she was still clinging on the helmet but she could keep it together.
Sunset Shimmer opened a window once they reached the city limits. No matter what, the sight of her hometown always lured a smile to her face, especially the palace in middle of the city, halfway up the mountain. Crystal Note glanced down as well, clearly anxious but Sunset couldn’t tell whether from the height or what was waiting for her once they landed.
As expected, a group of pegasus palace guards approached and went in formation around the carriage, guiding them down to a side entrance of the castle, away from prying eyes. Another group of guards welcomed Sunset Shimmer with a brisk salute which she only acknowledged with a nod
“I expect Princess Celestia wants to see me right away.”
The captain of the guard only nodded
“Follow me.”
Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes in annoyance. As if she couldn’t find the way to the princess on her own. She turned around to look at Crystal Note and her anger faded instantly. The young mare had barely managed a single step out of the carriage. The squad of pegasi still surrounded the carriage, the other guards stood in two lines leading towards the entrance. All of them stood stiff and rigid with stoic expressions, not even looking at them, even though Sunset knew they were watching every little motion they made.
Sunset Shimmer ignored the guards and their captain and stepped back to the crystal mare. Crystal Note’s eyes immediately darted to her and when she took the place at her side, she managed to move her frozen limbs again. Sunset nodded and indicated a smile when they headed for the entrance together. The captain nodded approvingly and guided them through the hallways, followed by only two other guards. Sunset Shimmer knew her way well and kept her attention on Crystal Note instead, but the mare was thoroughly intimidated by the grandeur and size of the palace, as well as the number of guards. She kept her head low and her eyes on the ground the entire time. Sunset Shimmer watched closely for any signs of fear, but for now Crystal Note’s crystal pony magic seemed at bay.
They reached the private audience rooms after a few minutes of walking. The guard captain nodded to the two guards at the door and one of the unicorns opened the door for them. The captain stayed outside and wordlessly motioned for Sunset Shimmer to enter. With one last glance to Crystal Note, she walked towards the door. She heard Crystal Note’s hoofsteps behind her, but the captain stepped in her way
“Only Sunset Shimmer is allowed to enter. The Princess will call for you when she’s ready.”
Sunset turned around fast enough to see Crystal Note whimper and flinch. The mare backed away from the glare of the guard captain as if she’d been physically hit by it. Sunset Shimmer growled as she felt a familiar anger rise up
“No. She’s staying with me. I’m not leaving her behind.”
The guard captain met her glare and the other guards could almost feel the sparks that shot between them
“You’re ignoring a direct order from the Princess, Sunset Shimmer.”
“Princess Celestia does not know what I know. She wants to see her right away.”
“You really think you know better than Princess Celestia?”
“I don’t think so, I know so, Captain.”
“You ungrateful little brat, you better…”
“I think that’s enough, Captain.”
All three guards snapped at attention when the voice from inside called out to them, which made Sunset Shimmer smirk even more
“Please send them in. Both of them. That will be all, Captain.”
The stallion shot one last angry glare towards Sunset Shimmer, then motioned for his guards to leave. Sunset just smirked and watched them until they left the hallway, then winked to Crystal Note. The mare had been watching with huge eyes and when she heard the voice, she’d started shivering. Sunset sighed and walked inside, as expected Crystal Note hurried to follow her.
Inside was rather plain, compared to the rest of the palace. A small table, just big enough for maybe half a dozen ponies, with as many seat cushions and a tiny desk at the side were all furniture. The room was well lit by a window that took up almost the whole side of the room. Two ponies were waiting for them. Kibitz, right hoof of the Princess and head of the royal staff, greeted them with his usual stoic smile and a nod, which Sunset returned. Despite their regular arguments, the both of them had learned to respect each other at least enough to be civil.
Princess Celestia sat on the spot at the top of the table, but when Sunset walked in she stood up with a sincere smile and glittering eyes. Sunset Shimmer felt her lips curl to return the smile, it was always nice to see Princess Celestia appreciating her presence.
The Princess glanced past her to Crystal Note and Sunset noticed her smile change in quality. While it had been a fond smile watching her, Sunset Shimmer now saw pity and something else in her eyes.
Princess Celestia turned to Kibitz and nodded
“Thank you for your help so far. Please clear my schedule for the rest of the day.”
“As you wish, Princess Celestia.”
He bowed and turned to leave, with a wink to Sunset, much to the unicorn’s surprise. Crystal Note froze when he passed her and flinched when the door fell shut. Sunset Shimmer allowed herself a deep breath, feeling somewhat safer now. She knew that all the audience chambers were set up with wards and spells to ensure utmost privacy. Whatever they’d talk about in here would stay between the three ponies.
Sunset Shimmer turned around to address her teacher, but Princess Celestia had used the moment to walk close in front of her. Sunset Shimmer had to stare up to meet her eyes, something that always annoyed her. Any of her complaints fell silent as soon as she found Princess Celestia’s eyes, though. From close up, she could see what she had thought of excitement were really tears glittering in the tall alicorn’s eyes. The fondness of her smile had returned, but there was something more. Worry, concern and a tinge of fear even? Before Sunset could process any of this, the princess moved swiftly. Hooves and a wing wrapped around her as Princess Celestia pulled her into a tight hug. Sunset squirmed a little in surprise, but then pressed into the embrace when she heard her voice
“Sunset Shimmer, you can’t imagine how happy I am to see you. When I got your message, I was terrified.”
Sunset allowed herself a smile. The message, the tears and the hug, it all made sense. The princess cared for her, far more than she would if she was just another student. She was special, just like she always knew it.
The moment passed far too soon and Princess Celestia wiped away the tears. Somehow, this annoyed Sunset Shimmer far more than it should.
Finally, Princess Celestia turned towards the third pony in the room. Crystal Note had been frozen on the spot since the door was shut and if she noticed the exchange between the princess and her student, she didn’t show it. Her eyes were glued on the ground, even as the princess walked towards her. The alicorn stopped when she noticed the mare shivered in fear, then watched with widening eyes as the crystal pony kneeled down in front of her. She bowed so deeply that her forehead touched the ground and her eyes clenched shut. Her lips moved as she mumbled words.
Curious and concerned, both Celestia and Sunset leaned closer to make out the words
“… unworthy to bask in your presence, undeserving to be graced by your attention, your humble servant begs forgiveness to Your Highness…”
Sunset blinked as the incantation went on with more unfamiliar phrases. She glanced to Princess Celestia whose eyes widened in recognition
“That’s enough, my little pony. There is no need for this.”
Crystal Note clamped her mouth shut, but she didn’t stop shivering. Celestia gasped when the silvery-white mare in front of her changed to a dark grey colour and lost the light from her eyes. Sunset Shimmer jumped to her side
“Princess, she’s scared. It’s her crystal pony magic, I think.”
Princess Celestia nodded slowly and regained her composure quickly
“You are right, Sunset. I haven’t seen a crystal pony in so long, I did not recognize right away. I thought I might never see such magic again.”
Crystal Note dared to glance up, not to the Princess but towards Sunset Shimmer instead. When she saw the unicorn next to her, the shivering stopped right away. Princess Celestia noticed this with a knowing smile and addressed the mare with her softest and kindest voice
“Welcome to Canterlot, my little pony. I am Princess Celestia, Sunset’s teacher and mentor. Please, there is no need to be afraid. Nopony is going to harm you, my dear.”
The warm voice had the desired effect and slowly, the crystal pony lifted her head from the floor and she changed into a seating position. There was a tremble in her voice when she finally managed to speak, barely above a whisper
“My name is Crystal Note, Your Highness. I humbly apologize if my words annoyed you.”
Princess Celestia shook her head
“Do not worry, Crystal Note. I am not annoyed nor offended, just surprised. I haven’t heard those words… in a very long time.”
Sunset Shimmer watched their exchange curiously.
“I have heard from Sunset that your arrival has been very eventful. How are you feeling, Crystal Note? Do you require a doctor? Or perhaps you would like a little snack after your long journey?”
Crystal Note blushed and stared at the floor, but Sunset couldn’t supress a small snicker
“I think we should give her stomach a chance to settle first. She didn’t take her first flight too well, Princess.”
The princess smiled kindly and nodded
“I see. Maybe just a cup of tea, then. It always helps me to calm down. Would you like to join Sunset and me, Crystal Note?”
Not waiting for an answer, Princess Celestia walked to her seat at the top of the table. Moved by her golden magic, three cups floated to their places and the teapot filled them with amber liquid. Sunset smiled as the scent filled the room, intentionally or not, the princess had picked her favourite blend. Sunset Shimmer took her place at the Princess’ side and with her own magic added cream and sugar to her tea. She looked up to the seat opposite of her, but her smile froze.
Crystal Note still stood at the spot near the door, not having moved an inch. Princess Celestia gave her an understanding smile
“I know it must be very overwhelming, Crystal Note. But please, I assure you, nopony is going to harm you. Sunset and I simply want to talk, my little pony.”
Crystal Note’s head snapped up with an incredible stare at the princess
“But, I’m not your pony. You declared war on the Crystal Empire and I… you’re supposed to treat me like an enemy. Take me as a prisoner, put me in chains, I don’t know. Why are you serving me tea instead?”
Sunset glanced to the Princess who now carried a sad, tired smile
“Crystal Note. The war you mentioned is long past. I never held any grudges against the Crystal Empire and its ponies back then, and I refuse to do so now. It was the king who declared war on my nation and it was the king I fought against. Whatever you may have done, I know it was not of your own violation.”
“How? How can you know? How can you be so sure of it?”
Celestia’s eyes hardened for a moment, as did her voice
“Because I know what King Sombra did and what he was capable off.”
Sunset Shimmer flinched at the name of the King and rushed around the table. Crystal Note howled as if in pain and fell apart into a mess of sobs before Sunset reached her
Princess Celestia could just watch as her student tried to comfort the crystal pony
“My dear pony… what did he do to you?”
Crystal Note couldn’t stop sobbing, so Sunset Shimmer answered for her
“She doesn’t know. The curse messed with her memories, she barely even remembered her own name. I think she only remembers fearing Ki-… that stallion, but no details whatsoever.”
She met the Princess’ eyes, both of the sharing a worried glance
“That’s why I didn’t want to leave her alone with the guards.”
“I understand, Sunset. You did well. For Crystal Note’s sake, this matter should be kept private.”
Princess Celestia left her seat and sat down on the ground in front of Sunset and Crystal Note. Her voice was soft and gentle and her eyes shined with kindness
“Crystal Note, would it be okay if Sunset Shimmer told me what happened so far?”
Crystal Note glanced up at the princess. She realized she was given a choice, not an order. She glanced to Sunset who smiled encouragingly, only then she nodded once.
Sunset Shimmer talked for more than an hour. She explained in great detail how she had found the magic in the tundra, how the dark magic had reacted. She described the pillar of crystal and how she had probed it. She also described how the magic fought back her attempts to free the mare inside the crystal, until she had overpowered and destroyed the magic.
Crystal Note who heard all of it for the first time stared at Sunset Shimmer in awestruck admiration
“You did all that to save me? You gave up your mission and you risked your life… for me?”
Sunset Shimmer blushed and rubbed her hoof
“Well, I couldn’t let you just die out there, could I? Even if I could have found a more… subtle way to free you, I guess.”
Princess Celestia shook her head with a smile
“You had to make a decision on the spot, Sunset. You realized there was no time to waste, so you took action. You chose to save a life. I am very proud of you, Sunset, my most talented student.”
Sunset Shimmer beamed in joy, for a moment at least. Then her eyes fell back to Crystal Note who wasn’t crying anymore, but the grey colour of her coat were a clear sign of her distress. She sighed and turned back to Princess Celestia
“But in doing so, I may have destroyed our only chance to retrieve the Crystal Empire. And to help Crystal Note.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I have seen spells mess with the minds of ponies over the decades, and magically induced amnesia only very rarely is permanent. There are traces resurfacing already, which makes me believe not everything is lost.”
Crystal Note had listened closely and whispered
“You think I might remember again, sometime?”
“I do. But you might require some help in doing so.”
Princess Celestia turned to Sunset Shimmer who sat up straight when she saw the look in her eyes
“Sunset, you have felt the dark magic and you have been a great assistance for Crystal Note so far. I believe if anypony can help her recover her lost memories, it will be you.”
“Yes Princess! I’ll do what I can.”
Celestia smiled and nodded sagely
“I know you will, my student. And if you need my help, you will get it. I was there when it all happened, that might be useful.”
She winked to Crystal Note who only blushed and bowed down her head
“Your Highness, I am unworthy and undeserving of your help.”
“Nonsense, my little pony. I’ll arrange for you to get a room next to Sunset’s . Of course you are staying in the palace as long as it takes for you to regain your memories.”
Crystal Note just stared between the two mares, unbelieving at first but soon, her eyes filled with tears and she sniffled. Sunset reached out for her hoof in concern
“Hey, what’s wrong? We just promised to help you, isn’t that something?”
Crystal Note nodded but couldn’t stop her tears
“I know, it’s just… nopony has ever been so nice to me!”
Sunset Shimmer blinked surprised, but Princess Celestia smiled softly
“There is no war anymore, no struggle for survival. You will find that ponies are friendly and kind these days. It might take a while to get used to it.”
Crystal Note nodded and rubbed her eyes with her hoof. Sunset Shimmer watched and smiled as the change ran through her body, giving her coat its usual silvery-white colour back.
Princess Celestia smiled approvingly and stood up
“Now, all this talking has left me terribly thirsty. How about some tea now, Crystal Note?”
The crystal mare smiled shyly and nodded, so the three ponies took their seats this time. Sunset noticed the familiar golden glow and the tea was hot again, as if freshly brewed. She and the Princess used their magic take hold of their cups. Crystal Note gingerly picked up her own cup with both hooves and took a tiny sip, eyes closed and reverently savouring the taste. Princess Celestia began to talk about a few things that had happened during Sunset’s absence. They both noticed Crystal Note wasn’t listening as much, but she relaxed in their presence as she continued taking tiny sips of tea.
Sunset watched her, both relieved that the mare wasn’t desperate and sad anymore, but also curious. She already had some ideas on how to tackle this new project and a few spells she wanted to try out. Princess Celestia noticed the look on Sunset’s face and smiled proudly
“I can tell you’re eager to get started, Sunset Shimmer”
“Yes Princess. As soon as I’ve finished my assignments, I’ll make a list of spells that might be useful.”
Princess Celestia closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, her eyes found Sunset’s and the student felt anxious suddenly
“Sunset, I believe helping Crystal Note will be more beneficial to you than your other studies. I suggest we pause your private sessions for a while, so you can focus on the task ahead.”
“What?”
Sunset slammed her hooves on the table
“But Princess, these studies are important to me! How can I improve when I don’t keep reaching out? There’s a few topics I’m so close to a major breakthrough.”
Princess Celestia’s eyes hardened, and so did Sunset’s. She was talking about the mirror of course, and the Princess knew it. With a hardness that matched her expression, the Princess declared
“Sunset, I wish for you to focus all your attention on helping Crystal Note’s recovery. Furthermore, I want you to assist her getting a handle on everyday life again. A lot has changed in a thousand years, so you will help her adapt. Is that understood?”
Sunset Shimmer gritted her teeth. She’d done it again. She had completed the task, even if not how it was intended, she succeeded all expectations, and Celestia was still trying to hold her back, just like always
“Yes Princess. I understand and I will do as you told me.”
“Good.”
Celestia’s smile returned, even if it seemed a little forced
“I will stand to my word, Sunset. If you need my help or my knowledge, I’ll always make time for you. Now, how about you show Crystal Note around the palace? I’ll make the necessary arrangements with Kibitz. I’ll meet you again for supper.”
With that, Princess Celestia smiled to the two mares and left the room. She closed the door behind her and as soon as the door fell into its lock, Sunset Shimmer slammed her head on the table
“Augh! Why? Why must she always be like that?”
“Sunset Shimmer?”
Sunset looked up and realized she wasn’t alone. Crystal Note was staring at her, eyes wide in fear and confusion
“I’m sorry my presence is already causing you distress. You shouldn’t have to waste your time dealing with me.”
Sunset Shimmer shook her head quickly
“No, it’s not like that, I promise. I really want to help you. Don’t worry.”
“But…”
“Really, it’s not your fault.”
Crystal Note closed her mouth, unsure what to say next as Sunset Shimmer just glared at the now closed door.
Stupid Celestia. Stupid mission.
End of Arc I